Installation Assistant Archives

Winsage

December 23, 2024

New Windows 11 24H2 bug list: 12 reasons to avoid this update for now

On October 1, Microsoft released the 2024 update for Windows 11, named Windows 11 24H2, which includes an upgraded Copilot AI, a revamped File Explorer, and performance improvements. The update is available through the Windows Update screen or can be downloaded from Microsoft's website. However, the rollout has encountered several bugs, prompting Microsoft to temporarily halt the update for certain devices. Key issues reported include: 1. Conflicts with Ubisoft games, causing freezes or crashes. 2. Problems with the Auto HDR feature leading to incorrect color displays or unresponsive games. 3. Incompatibility with Easy Anti-Cheat software, resulting in blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens due to driver incompatibilities, particularly with Intel's Smart Sound Technology and certain hardware configurations. 5. A bug causing the mouse pointer to disappear in Chromium-based applications. 6. Erratic internet connectivity issues, with some devices unable to obtain a valid IP address. 7. A time zone setting issue preventing users without administrative privileges from changing their time zone. 8. Problems with the clipboard history feature appearing empty despite copied items. 9. Network sharing issues where devices fail to appear in the network list. 10. Printer setup difficulties for users of Copilot+ PCs, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. 11. Audio output issues for users utilizing Dirac Audio technology. 12. Microsoft Outlook failing to launch for users relying on Google Workspace Sync. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and is working on patches and solutions. Users are advised to delay upgrading to the 2024 version until these problems are resolved.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft blocks Windows 11 24H2 update on more PCs due to new gaming issues

Many users view Windows 11 as a reimagined version of Windows 10, but it includes exclusive features for gamers. Microsoft has restricted access to the latest Windows 11 update due to complications with the Auto HDR feature, which enhances visuals by converting SDR content to HDR. A bug in Auto HDR has caused games to display incorrect colors or freeze. Microsoft has not specified which devices or games are affected and has implemented a compatibility hold on devices using Auto HDR, preventing them from installing Windows 11 version 24H2. Users are advised to disable Auto HDR to proceed with the update. Additionally, there have been other gaming-related issues with Windows 11 version 24H2, including crashes in games using Easy Anti-Cheat and responsiveness issues in titles like Asphalt 8, along with compatibility challenges with certain Ubisoft games.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 upgrades blocked on some PCs due to audio issues

Microsoft has implemented a safeguard hold on the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade for systems using Dirac audio enhancement software due to compatibility issues that disrupt sound output. The problem is associated with the cridspapo.dll software component, which affects integrated speakers, Bluetooth speakers, and headsets, rendering them non-functional after the upgrade. Users are advised not to manually upgrade their devices until Dirac releases a fix for their audio driver. The safeguard hold will remain until the issue is resolved. Affected users can check for safeguard holds in Windows Update settings. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced another upgrade block for Windows 11 24H2 concerning systems with Auto HDR due to compatibility issues causing game freezes.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft Stops Updates For Millions Of Windows Users—Here’s What You Do Now

Windows users are experiencing issues with the Windows 11 24H2 update due to a compatibility problem with the AutoHDR feature, which causes incorrect color display in games and applications. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and implemented a compatibility hold, preventing devices with Auto HDR enabled from receiving the update. Users can resolve the issue by disabling Auto HDR in the settings. Microsoft is working on a fix and advises against manually updating to version 24H2 until the problem is resolved.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Microsoft lifts Windows 11 24H2 block on PCs with USB scanners

Microsoft has removed a compatibility barrier for upgrades to Windows 11 24H2 after resolving a bug affecting USB connections for certain scanners. The issue was identified as a failure of some devices to transition from eSCL to USB mode. Microsoft implemented a safeguard hold and advised users not to manually update until the issue was resolved. Affected devices included standalone scanners, multi-function printers, fax machines, modems, and other eSCL network devices. The problem was addressed with the release of the KB5048667 cumulative update, which applies to all editions of Windows 11, version 24H2. Users may experience a delay of up to 48 hours after installing the update before receiving the Windows 11, version 24H2 upgrade. Additionally, Microsoft has imposed a safeguard hold on devices with incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology audio drivers and has blocked upgrades on systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Outdated Google Workspace Sync blocks Windows 11 24H2 upgrades

Microsoft has implemented a compatibility hold on Windows devices using Google Workspace Sync for Microsoft Outlook (GWSMO) due to issues with Outlook launch failures after upgrading to Windows 11 24H2. The current version of GWSMO required for proper functionality is 4.3.68.0, released on November 22. Users who do not update to this version will face difficulties launching Outlook. The compatibility hold is identified by ID 54318776 in Windows Update for Business reports. Users should not use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool if they experience the safeguard hold. If the hold persists 48 hours after updating GWSMO, users are advised to contact Google Workspace Support. Microsoft has previously implemented similar safeguard holds for various other software and hardware compatibility issues.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

Ubisoft fixes Windows 11 24H2 conflicts causing game crashes

Microsoft has lifted the safeguard hold on upgrades for devices running the Ubisoft games Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, which were previously affected by crashes, freezes, and audio glitches after the Windows 24H2 update. This hold was imposed due to user complaints about game performance issues, including immediate crashes and freezing. Ubisoft has released temporary hotfixes to mitigate these problems, although some performance issues may still persist. Users experiencing difficulties exiting the games are advised to use the Task Manager as a workaround. Microsoft has also recommended that gamers avoid upgrading affected PCs using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool until a full resolution is achieved. Additionally, Microsoft announced a new compatibility hold affecting systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations, which have caused issues with launching Outlook.

Winsage

November 27, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 beset by another bug, and this one affects gamers

Gamers using Ubisoft titles are experiencing issues with the Windows 11 24H2 update, leading to freezing, crashing, or black screens. Affected games include Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Assassin's Creed Origins, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Microsoft has blocked the 24H2 update for PCs with these games installed and advises against manual updates. Ubisoft has released a hotfix for Star Wars Outlaws, but performance issues may still occur. Users can end tasks in the Task Manager to close unresponsive games. Additionally, a glitch affecting USB-connected devices using the eSCL protocol has been reported, prompting Microsoft to block the update for such devices. Since its launch on October 1, Windows 11 24H2 has faced multiple bugs, leading to two bug patches in late October and mid-November, with ongoing issues still emerging.

Winsage

November 26, 2024

Can your old PC handle the Windows 11 upgrade? How to find out

Windows 10 users will stop receiving monthly security updates in October 2025. Upgrading to Windows 11 is an option if the PC is compatible, primarily determined by the age and specifications of the internal components, especially the CPU. - PCs designed in 2019 or later generally meet the requirements for upgrading to Windows 11, including having TPM version 2.0. - PCs designed between 2016 and 2019 may include TPM 2.0 but might not have supported CPUs; they can still upgrade with a registry edit. - PCs from 2010 to 2015 may have TPMs, and many Intel CPUs from this period can meet Windows 11 requirements, while AMD processors may not. - PCs manufactured in 2009 or earlier are unlikely to support Windows 11 due to a lack of necessary features and TPMs. Alternative operating systems like Linux may be considered for these older machines.

Winsage

November 26, 2024

Microsoft blocks Windows 11 24H2 on some PCs with USB scanners

Microsoft has blocked the Windows 11 24H2 update for computers with USB scanners using the eSCL protocol due to compatibility issues. This affects standalone scanners and multifunction devices that support eSCL. The decision follows user reports of problems, including difficulties in switching from eSCL to USB mode after the update. Microsoft has introduced a compatibility hold, identified by safeguard ID 54762729, to prevent the update on affected systems. Users are advised not to manually update their devices until a fix is available. Additionally, a safeguard hold has been placed on systems running Ubisoft games due to crashes and other issues related to the update.